Commemorating Irena Szewińska: A Legendary Polish Olympic Athlete at the Museum of Sport and Tourism, Warsaw

This exhibition commemorates Irena Szewińska, an iconic Polish athlete and seven-time Olympic medalist. It details her remarkable career, her records, and her significant contributions to sports and the Museum of Sport and Tourism in Warsaw. The exhibition celebrates her legacy as 'The Queen of Polish Sport'.

The exhibition 'Żegnamy Irenę Szewińską' (Farewell to Irena Szewińska) serves as a tribute to one of Poland's most celebrated athletes, who passed away on June 29th. Irena Szewińska was a triple Olympic champion and a seven-time Olympic medalist, a member of the International Olympic Committee, and a long-time friend and benefactor of the Museum of Sport and Tourism in Warsaw. Her illustrious career began at the Tokyo Olympics, where she, as a junior, won a gold medal and set a world record in the 4x100m relay, alongside silver medals in long jump and the 200m race. Over fifteen years, she remained at the forefront of international athletics, securing Olympic medals in Mexico City, Munich, and Montreal, accumulating a total of seven medals, more than any other Polish athlete. She also achieved ten European Championship medals, five of which were gold, and repeatedly broke world records in six different sprint disciplines. Her accolades include being named World Sportswoman of the Year, winning the Polish Athlete of the Year poll four times, and being recognized as the most outstanding figure in Polish sport of the 20th century. She was also inducted into the IAAF Hall of Fame and received numerous state honors, including Poland's highest decoration, the Order of the White Eagle. Following her competitive career, Irena Szewińska remained actively involved in the sports community, serving as president of the Polish Athletic Association and vice-president of the Polish Olympic Committee. She was also a member of the International Olympic Committee from 1998 until her passing. The Museum of Sport and Tourism holds a special place in her legacy, as she had been a friend and donor for over five decades, making her first contributions in the 1960s. Her dedication extended to her role on the Museum's Council from 1998 onwards, where she significantly supported efforts to secure a new, suitable location for the museum. She was a frequent and welcomed guest at museum events, always ready to offer advice and assistance. Her personal tribute includes a special display case at the museum, opened by her in person the previous autumn, containing her Olympic medals from the Tokyo Games, among other significant items.